BLAZING HIS OWN TRAIL IN PUBLIC SERVICE

For most Filipinos, there is something about having older siblings that brings a sense of security, comfort, inspiration, and challenge all at once. Among other things, they inspire us to be the best version of ourselves, succeed in life, and be of service to the country.If older siblings are not only successful but considered legends in their fields of expertise, it adds pressure. This situation practically mirrors that of Representative Antonio Agapito “AA” B. Legarda, Jr. of the lone congressional district of Antique and the younger brother of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren B. Legarda. MANANG LOREN’S LEGACY AND PARENTS’ INFLUENCE

In contemporary Philippine politics, the surname Legarda has almost always been associated with former journalist, environmentalist, and lawmaker Sen. Loren Legarda.

Her extensive accomplishments in various fields, especially as a lawmaker in both houses of Congress, are expected to significantly influence the younger Legarda. But the neophyte lawmaker is unfazed and emphasizes that the senator, whom she affectionately calls “Manang Loren,” has inspired him to become the leader he is today. “Yes, she has. She’s an icon of public service and a champion of the environment, among all the other accolades she has. I think everybody looks up to her as a role model,” he elaborates.

Legarda likewise credits his father for being a primary role model, often telling him that “there’s no substitute for hard work.” Given that they are from a middle-class family, he is extremely proud that their parents worked hard to give them a good education. “I think that’s one thing that propelled us to where we are now,” the lawmaker explains.

BEING A “MAN FOR OTHERS”

Putting his sister’s legacy to one side, Legarda is adamant about forging his own path in the field of public service, particularly in light of the Atenean value of service. “I was raised by Jesuits. I went to Ateneo de Manila University for grade school and high school. Then I took my college course at the University of the Philippines. Maybe because of the Ateneo education—Jesuit education—Jesuits will always have this motto of ‘Man for Others.’ They always say that we live in this magis, which is work in excellence.”

After obtaining a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM)and working in the banking sector for several years, he eventually established his own business, which supplies and manufactures modular kitchens and closets. He likewise worked as a consultant for San Miguel Corporation. But it was Legarda’s entrepreneurial venture for over two decades, helping create and provide jobs, which clearly indicated his level of comfort in being of service to others.

OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND CONTINUITY

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel was challenging for his then-congresswoman sister due to quarantine restrictions, Legarda had the chance to represent her in meeting her constituents and providing necessary assistance to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. “I was given the chance to go to the province and see how things are there. Maybe that thing was the reason why I got into this because I really felt that there should be continuity in what she’s doing,” he confides.

While going around Antique, Legarda realized the magnitude of his sister’s contributions to the development of the province, especially in terms of social services. According to the lawmaker, “different government projects were given to the people of Antique during the height of the pandemic. In fact, even if she was just the congresswoman of Antique, she was even giving other neighboring provinces the same government services. She was sharing with others; that’s how she worked. She really made sure all government services were rendered to the people of Antique, and they felt that.”

Legarda reiterates that with Antiqueños benefiting from the short stint of Sen. Legarda as congresswoman through infrastructure, healthcare, and education projects, among others, there was a need for continuity when she decided to make a bid for a Senate comeback in 2022. “That is the main reason why I had to ‘take her place,’ in a way, because what she started needs continuity,” the lawmaker adds. Thus, he threw his hat into the political arena and eventually won as congressman in the May 9, 2022 elections.

PROGRAMS, PRIORITIES

As a first-time public servant, Legarda is aware of his responsibilities to the people of Antique. “I know that there are more things to do.

I would always look long- term, not just on a three-year horizon. I really want to give them a better opportunity to improve their lives,” he emphasizes. Foremost among his priorities is to change the outlook and perception of life of his province mates, especially in terms of exclusively relying on the government. “In the past, whatever the government gave them, they would just accept. But now, what we are trying to teach them is that they can take steps to improve [their lot],” the lawmaker explains.

Concretely, Legarda is focusing on programs on education, given his belief that it “is a primary mover for our province to improve and for people to really uplift their lives.” Therefore, Legarda is actively maximizing government resources to provide various scholarships to poor but deserving students and establish Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training centers throughout the province.

With the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down schools and forcing learners and educators to conduct online classes for several years, Legarda saw the need to provide students with the proper technological tools in response to the changes brought about by the health crisis. As a result, he submitted the One Tablet, One Student bill, which is the Lower House counterpart of Sen. Legarda’s Senate filing. He is likewise coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to provide Wi-Fi sites in Antique. “You can’t just give a tablet without a signal, because the gadget won’t work,” the lawmaker adds.

One note worthy piece of proposed legislation among Legarda’s more than 150 bills is House Bill 2604, commonly known as the proposed Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act. This bill, substituted by HB 8443, was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives in August 2023. Its Senate counterpart, Senate Bill No.2439, was likewise unanimously approved by the Upper Chamber in November 2023. The PENCAS measure seeks to establish a comprehensive accounting system in policy-making and decision-making processes involving the country’s ecology and natural resources. The bill identifies accountable entities for implementation, makes institutional arrangements, and appropriates funds for implementation. Once implemented, PENCAS will make precise accounting of national resources easier, providing insights into the quantity and distribution of key materials like rainforests and trees. This data-driven strategy will influence strategic decisions, assisting in efforts to reduce environmental threats such as flooding.

Recognizing the province of Antique’s healthcare needs, Legarda has requested two dialysis machines from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Patients in need of such services must currently go to adjacent provinces such as Aklan and Iloilo. Legarda intends to improve healthcare accessibility by strategically installing dialysis units in both the northern and southern parts of the province—San Jose Angel Salazar Hospital in San Jose and Calix to Zaldivar Memorial Hospital in Pandan.

Legarda has turned his effort to increase tourism in Antique, notably in its developing prominence as a premier diving destination. With local divers and even Boracay residents understanding Antique’s allure, there is potential for economic growth. The solon envisions inclusive growth and community participation by emphasizing the income- generating prospects for bankeros (boatmen) who take divers to diving destinations. This program, with each diver contributing a small fee, has the potential to assist both local boatmen and the community.

In an independent poll, Legarda achieved a fantastic work performance rating of 90 percent, placing him second among the Western Visayas legislators. This award validates his hard work and dedication in delivering services and help to the people of Antique. Legarda expresses his appreciation, noting that this accomplishment demonstrates his dedication to his fellow Antiqueños.

TEACHING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Apart from education, health, and tourism projects, Legarda uses his background in entrepreneurship to teach people to improve their lives through their own initiative as well. “Seeing that some of them are learning to be their own business owners, that’s happening already,” he explains.He likewise reiterates the importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), given that these are the backbone of the local and national economies. “They have a sari-sari (variety) store; they have some babuyan (pig farm). Or a small business that I have seen from the start, maybe two years ago, and now it’s booming,” the lawmaker proudly shares. He likewise initiated training cooperative officials on how to run a business in a simple but effective way, enabling them to maximize resources and enjoy higher profits.

CHALLENGES, RESILIENCE

As a neophyte lawmaker, Legarda has already experienced various challenges, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of Typhoon Paeng, which would test the skills and resolve of even veteran public servants. However, he takes everything in stride and believes in the ability of Filipinos in general to overcome challenges. “We thrive, even if things are difficult. We thrive on adversity, even if stuff is hard. I think we excel because of our resilience,” the lawmaker explains.

When Paliwan Bridge, the main bridge connecting the province’s northern and southern areas, collapsed during the onslaught of Typhoon Paeng, he immediately coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and concerned town mayors to formulate a plan to repair the bridge and build a temporary embankment that vehicles can use to cross. Fortunately, Sen. Legarda’s office helped the province with the construction of a new bridge in the area. But what he is most proud of is the manner in which Antiqueños rose above the devastation to help one another and rebuild their lives. “When things are tough, you see people helping each other just to survive. And that’s what I experienced at that time.”

‘AA’ LEGACY

Although Legarda has yet to complete his first full termas congressional representative, the topic of his legacy is inevitably mentioned consistently, particularly given the “very big shoes” that he has to fill. He confides that the senator would always tell him, “Just be yourself. Do what you think is right and just be the AA, the brother I know.”

Indeed, Legarda is already aware of the legacy that he can leave behind to the people of Antique, and thatis to spur economic growth in the province and spread the entrepreneurial spirit among his provincemates. “As somebody who understands the economy, I want to teach the people of Antique how to be the owners of a business. I also want to do that through economic programs,” he confides.

He particularly mentions the need to establish industrial and tourism economic zones throughout the province, which would result in the creation of jobs and other livelihood opportunities for Antiqueños. Tourists will also come in and

provide revenue and income that will definitely benefit the people. Legarda is also optimistic about the potential of MSMEs in the province. “For me, MSMEs are the best way that we can really improve. Economic growth would come from MSMEs. I think that is the best way to really leave a legacy. Let’s all be entrepreneurs. It has to be a sustainable livelihood,” he reiterates.

PARADIGM SHIFT

Legarda assures Antiqueños that they have a congressional representative who means business and will exert extra effort to achieve his goals for the province. However, he likewise underscores the need for a paradigm shift: “Let’s now think and believe that we can really improve our lives and that we don’t just rely on what the government will give us.” Indeed, Legarda is not allowing his relatively limited experience as a government official hinder his resolve to blaze his own trail in the field of public service.